Content style guide

Engagement messages

Nudges the user to enter or update data in the system. It can be initiated by either the system or another user.

Note: See Error Messages for guidance on when to consider adding instruction to call the VA.gov help desk or other “next-step” call to action.

Prompt to complete a task or enter data

Scenario	Message title	Message content	Actions	Component	State	Location
Continue a saved benefit application	Still want to apply for [BENEFIT NAME]?	Your application will expire on [EXPIRATION DATE]. If you’d still like to apply, you’ll need to submit the application by this date. Or you can start a new application any time.	[BUTTON 1] Continue your application [BUTTON 2] Start over	Alert box	Informational	Replace affected component
Set up 2-factor authentication	Want to make your VA.gov account more secure?	You can add an optional extra layer of security (called 2-factor authentication) to your account. This helps to make sure that no one but you can access your account—even if someone gets your password.	Secure your account	Alert box	Informational	Replace affected component
Save your work in progress (for unauthenticated users)	Sign in now to save time and save your work in progress	Here’s how signing in now helps you: * We can fill in some of your information for you to save you time. * You can save your work in progress. You’ll have 60 days from when you start or make updates to your application to come back and finish it. Note: You can sign in after you start your application. But you’ll lose any information you already filled in.	Sign in to start your application (primary button); Start your application without signing in (link)	Alert box	Informational	After h1 on Form Introduction page
Prefill - Intro variation (for authenticated users)	None	Note: Since you’re signed in to your account, we can prefill part of your form based on your account details. You can also save your form in progress and come back later to finish filling it out.	None	Alert box	Informational	After h1 on Form Introduction page
Prefill - Step variation (for authenticated users) - Form only	None	Note: We’ve prefilled some of your information from your account. If you need to correct anything, you can select edit below. All updates will be made only to this form.	None	Alert - Background-only with icon	Informational	After Progress bar - Segmented on a form step page.)
Prefill - Step variation (for authenticated users) - Profile and Form	None	Note: We’ve prefilled some of your information from your account. If you need to correct anything, you can select edit below. All updates will also save to your profile.	None	Alert - Background-only with icon	Informational	After Progress bar - Segmented on a form step page.)
Autosave (for authenticated users)	None	We’ve saved your request. We saved it on [MONTH] [DAY], [YEAR] at [TIME] [TIMEZONE]. Your request ID number is [ID NUMBER].	None	Alert - Background-only with icon	Success	After Button pair on a form step page.)